Mark Phelan: 10 cars you must see at the 2013 North American International Auto Show

January 19, 2013

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Free Press Auto Critic

Uncle Kracker at the Charity Preview Gala: Uncle Kracker performs their hit song "Follow Me" at the 2013 North American International Auto Show Charity Preview at Cobo Center on Friday, Jan. 18, 2013 in Detroit.

Fiat 500L: Small, but roomy crossover. / FIAT

After hours and miles walking the floor at Cobo Center this week, here are my choices for 10 cars you have to see at the 2013 North American International Auto Show.

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray: It's not quite Halley's Comet, but a new Corvette doesn't come along every day, and there hasn't been a new Stingray since the 1970s. The great American sports car has much more than retro appeal going for it, though. The 2014 'Vette features carbon-fiber body panels, a rev-matching seven-speed manual transmission, and a base model that hits 60 mph in less than 4 seconds.

Honda Urban Concept: This flashy concept vehicle looks maniacal by Honda's careful standards, and it'll be on the road in 2014. Based on the subcompact Fit hatchback, it combines SUV height and styling with high mpg and easy parking. Little crossovers like this and the 2013 Buick Encore could be the next big thing.

VW CrossBlue: Volkswagen is Europe's biggest brand, and it wants to be your next family car. This six-seat crossover concept aims squarely at America's favorite family vehicles, and adds VW looks and the promise of German features like an efficient diesel engine. Watch out, Ford Explorer. The Germans are coming.

Fiat 500L: This small crossover wagon packs Italian style and unexpected room -- a bigger interior than a Chrysler 300C -- into a package that's 6.5 inches shorter than a Ford Fiesta subcompact sedan. Add nifty two-tone paint and a powerful, fuel-efficient little turbo engine and the 500L looks like a player.

BMW 320i: BMW prices go in one direction: Up. Except for the new 320i sport sedan, which sports a lower $32,550 sticker and a 180-horsepower 2.0-liter engine. Maybe it's the economy, maybe its competition from the award-winning Cadillac ATS. Whatever the reason, the world's favorite sport sedan just got more affordable.

Toyota Corolla Furia: Unusually aggressive looking for a Toyota, this compact sedan concept hints at the looks of the next Corolla, which goes on sale later this year. The swept-back windshield, short overhands, and mild fender flares could all make it to the production model.

Lincoln MKC: This sleek and elegant concept signals the next step in Lincoln's reinvention. A production version of this compact crossover will go on sale next year. Look for the MKC's wing-like grille and headlights and full-width taillights to become Lincoln mainstays.

Nissan Resonance: Nissan has a reputation for building dramatic-looking crossovers like the Murano and Juke, but the Resonance concept is far-out even by those standards. Despite that, look for the W-shaped grille, steeply sloped windshield and hybrid drivetrain to make it onto the next Murano.

Cadillac ELR: This low, wide luxury coupe shares its extended-range electric drivetrain with the Chevrolet Volt, but the sumptuous interior and the body's sweeping surfaces are pure Cadillac. Software updates and a new suspension should ratchet up performance and handling.

Jaguar F-type: The traffic-cone orange paint is a bit of a reach, but this speedy little roadster sets the tone for Jaguar's future. A foot shorter than Jag's more expensive XK convertible, the F-type comes with a supercharged V6 or V8 engine. New all-wheel-drive versions of the XF and XJ sedans also add to Jag's appeal.